Paul Sellers is a cabinet maker who was receiving letters from a renowned woodworker who handmade all of his tools. The writer voiced his skepticism in how the woodworking industry would remain thriving as steel becomes one of the most preferred materials. He wondered how craftsmen back in his day were able to achieve such high quality craftsmanship without the same tools that are available to everyone today. Even Sellers himself admits that if you look at the past 70 years, woodworking is currently at its lowest quality.
Key Takeaways:
- Woodworking, joinery, carpentry and furniture making have increasingly become skilless endeavors.
- Back in Antonio Stradivarius’ day, the best tools were fully hand-made.
- Much machine work takes hands off the materials, removing human touch and skill from the activity.
“As a boy I peered into tool chests filled with some of the most beautiful tools ever made in the history of tool making. They were all hand made, of course!”
